How much does a sliding glass door cost to replace?
Typical ranges, repair vs. replace, and what to look for in a new patio door.
WINDOWSWhy are my windows foggy between the panes?
Short answer: fog or condensation between the panes means the seal on that window's insulated glass has failed. Moist air has gotten inside the sealed space between the two panes. You can't wipe it away from either side. The fix is new glass or a new window, depending on the frame.
What causes foggy windows
Double-pane windows are built as a sealed glass unit: two panes, a spacer around the edge and a seal. Many are filled with an insulating gas such as argon. Over years of Texas heat and cold snaps, the glass expands and contracts and the seal can break down. Moisture then gets in, and once the drying material in the spacer is saturated, you see fog, streaks or droplets, often worst on sunny afternoons.
Is it inside, outside, or between the panes?
- On the room side: high indoor humidity. Run exhaust fans and check your AC.
- On the outside: normal on cool, humid mornings. It means the glass is insulating well.
- Between the panes: a failed seal. It won't clear up on its own.
Does a broken window seal matter?
Mostly for looks and comfort. You lose a clear view, and the window insulates less well once the gas has leaked out. Over time, mineral deposits can etch the inside of the glass permanently.
Your options
- Replace just the glass unit. If the frame and sash are in good shape, a new insulated glass unit can be ordered to size.
- Defogging services. Some companies drill and dry the glass. This can improve the view, but it doesn't restore the original seal or gas fill.
- Replace the window. When several windows are failing, the frames are warped or drafty, or the glass is old clear glass, new windows with hot-climate Low-E glass are often the better value. What replacement windows cost in DFW
Check your warranty first
Many window makers warranty the glass seal for years. Look for the brand name on the spacer bar between the panes and check before paying for a repair.
The bottom line
One foggy window is often a glass replacement. Several, especially in older frames, usually mean it's time to look at new windows. Learn how to read a window label, or see our window lines.
Sources: National Fenestration Rating Council, understanding the label.
